Blood supply in Chattanooga area takes 'serious hit' due to snowstorm

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Blood Assurance, the regional blood center based in Chattanooga, will be open normal hours on Friday, February 14, and extending the hours of eight of its 13 locations this Saturday, in an effort to help the blood supply, which the organization says has taken a 'serious hit to the inventory levels' due to the recent snow.

Blood Assurance facilities in Chattanooga, Hixson, Cookeville and Cleveland, along with Cartersville, Rome, Dalton and Fort Oglethorpe, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

All blood types are needed and an appointment is not required, according to a news release.

Over 440 blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the region served by Blood Assurance with lifesaving blood, and with the recent bad weather, that number has not been met this week.

To be eligible to donate, you must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. All donors receive a complimentary snack and t-shirt. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.